26984 words

rather

10 definitions • 19 examples
1

Examples:

It's rather cold today, isn't it?
That's rather a difficult book - here's an easier one for you.
The train was rather too crowded for a comfortable journey.
She answered the phone rather sleepily.
I rather doubt I'll be able to come to your party.
2
more accurately; more exactly:

Examples:

She'll fly to California on Thursday, or rather, she will if she has to.
He's my sister's friend really, rather than mine.
3
used to express an opposite opinion:

Examples:

The ending of the war is not a cause for celebration, but rather for regret that it ever happened.
No, I'm not tired. Rather the opposite in fact.
4
instead of; used especially when you prefer one thing to another:

Examples:

I think I'd like to stay at home this evening rather than go out.
5
used to show that you prefer to have or do one thing more than another:

Examples:

I'd rather have a beer.
6
very; to a large degree:

Examples:

Actually, I did rather well in my exams.
I've got rather a lot of work to do at the moment.
7
certainly; yes:

Examples:

"Do you want to come out for dinner with us this evening?" "Rather!"
8
in preference to, or as a preference:

Examples:

She wants us to meet her here rather than go to her apartment.
I’d rather wear the black shoes.
She’s saying things that many would rather not hear.
9
more accurately; more exactly:

Examples:

These were not common criminals, but rather enemies of the state.
10

Examples:

It all seems rather unimportant.

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